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DEMO facilitates experimental technical and scientific education and research. We achieve this through rapid development and construction of unique experimental setups and prototypes. linkedin youtube Expertises Facilities Contact

Dragons' Den for biotech

Dragons' Den for biotech The Netherlands is renowned for its leading biotech research, yet it produces an underwhelming number of practical applications. Biotech Booster was designed to shake this up through targeted investment in promising ideas and getting entrepreneurs involved at an early stage. The programme was set up with funding from the National Growth Fund and has been operational since May 2024. Biotech Booster is helmed by biotechnologist Nettie Buitelaar. “We have industry and academia meet at an earlier stage.” Text: Jurjen Slump • Photos: TU Delft, Biotech Booster • November 5, 2024 What was the reason for establishing Biotech Booster? “The Netherlands is at the forefront of biotech from a scientific point of view. Although a large number of publications and registered patents are produced here, fewer new products and services emerge from these novel insights than you might expect. No one really knows why, but a lack of entrepreneurial ambition among academics may play a role. It also often involves a combination of factors such as funding or the lack of good role models.” How are you going to change that? "Biotech Booster is a unique coalition of knowledge institutions and industry. In 2022, we were allocated €246 million from the National Growth Fund to accelerate the transformation of biotechnology knowledge into relevant innovations. We have worked hard to get the organisation up and running since then and expect to admit the first 50 projects to our programme this year." How does Biotech Booster work? “Consisting of three phases, the programme aims to offer both financial support and expertise. We have around 40 business developers traversing the country to scout and mentor promising ideas at research universities, universities of applied sciences and beyond. The goal is for these projects to deliver a proof of principle so that the most promising ideas can be developed into a proof of concept in the next phase. The remaining teams get support and guidance to help commercialise their invention in the scale-out phase. In the first phase, projects can apply for up to €200,000 in funding, with proof of concept projects getting up to €1.9 million." Delft researchers are scaling up sustainable bioprocesses for industrial use in the Zero Emission Biotechnology project. This research programme of the TU Delft specialises in biotechnology for reducing and reusing CO2 emissions, in partnership with industry. What themes are you interested in? We have five thematic clusters: Industrial Biotechnology & Production, Agrifood Biotechnology, ATMPs [advanced therapy medicinal products] and Biopharmaceuticals, Diagnostics and Services, and Vaccines and Small Molecules. TU Delft mainly excels in the first cluster, which is one of the reasons why the manager of the industrial biotech cluster, Cornelis Mijnders, is also based in Delft. The entire innovation ecosystem in Delft - including Planet.bio, Biotech Campus Delft and DSM - has also been linked to Biotech Booster." What makes Biotech Booster unique? “We bring in biotech entrepreneurs at a very early stage and have compiled a pool of 130 top-performing business owners who are involved in projects from the get-go. Proof of concept project proposals also consist of a pitch to our entrepreneurial panel, followed by an extensive round of questions. The independent opinion of our entrepreneurs is decisive, which is our way of ensuring that projects meet market needs and wishes. We also involve experts at an early stage who assist us with issues such as the compliance of new drugs with various laws, regulations and requirements, which researchers often know little about.” Nettie Buitelaar Dr. ir. Nettie Buitelaar MBA is a biotechnologist with years of experience in both business and leading public-private partnerships. She has been the director of the Leiden Bio Science Park and director of the successful BioPartner programme from which dozens of new biotech companies have emerged. So you’re more than just an investor? “Our programme marks the first time that all the different parts of the Dutch biotech sector have joined forces. And that is just fantastic! While industry and academia were never entirely separate worlds, Biotech Booster brings the two together at a very early stage. The programme is intended to be and remain a learning system but we must also stimulate entrepreneurship in academia. If you ask me, every researcher has a duty to consider whether their findings can make an impact outside academia." But has there been a return on investment? “Absolutely. We lose our money when a project fails. But if a team advances to the proof of concept phase and decides to bring in other investors, we’ll want to recoup some of our investment because we gave them the push that enabled them to take that step. The same applies to projects leading to an exit. Over time, Biotech Booster will need to be funded with the programme’s own proceeds, which we can then use to support subsequent projects. This would enable us to continue under our own steam when the grant from the Growth Fund ends after 2031." What biotech breakthroughs do you expect in the coming years? What radical innovations will we see? “It’s too early to tell, but there are a few clear trends. A lot is happening around ATMPs, drugs for cell therapy, gene therapy and tissue engineering. Many steps can also be taken in the field of production processes involving fermentation to produce more efficiently with less waste. Circularity is an important issue in all areas." The National Growth Fund has been discontinued and the new government has announced plans to cut higher education spending. How does this affect innovation? “You have to realise that cutting back on scientific research will lead to the gradual depletion of the valorisation pipeline, resulting in fewer new products and less new knowledge. Our future prosperity will inevitably be affected, which was exactly why the National Growth Fund was set up in the first place - so it could contribute to the country’s long-term earning capacity. Hacking at the roots affects the entire tree.” Interested in business collaboration? Contact us Order the newest magazine Featured article ‘If you never try, you'll never know.’ Pioneering articles

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How storm surge barriers can keep the Netherlands safe and liveable

A safe and liveable delta, who doesn't go for that? Storm surge barriers play a crucial role in this. Yet there are many choices to be made in the short term to keep the storm surge barriers in a good condition, to eventually cope with rising sea levels in the longer term. A new project receives funding from NWO for five years to explore the best routes to a liveable delta. Storm surge barriers, like the Maeslantkering and the Oosterscheldekering are essential for protecting the Netherlands from high water coming in from the sea. How long will these imposing structures remain effective bearing in mind sea level rise, decay of the structures and an altering surrounding area. In the short term, decisions will have to be taken on maintenance, while in the longer term, adaptation or replacement should be considered. Linking storm surge barriers with the delta Within the SSB-Δ (storm surge barrier delta) project, a diverse consortium will investigate under what circumstances storm surge barriers can keep the Netherlands safe and liveable. The consortium consists of the universities of Delft, Utrecht, and Rotterdam; the universities of applied sciences of Rotterdam and Zeeland; knowledge institutes Deltares and TNO, as well as Rijkswaterstaat, water boards and companies. Bram van Prooijen, associate professor at TU Delft, will lead the research: “Decisions on flood defences are important for the entire delta. The link between the hinterland and the flood defences needs to be made properly. During this project, we will have the opportunity to bring different areas of expertise together and strengthen each other.” Long term perspective Therefore, the research is not only about the technical lifespan of the barriers. It will also clarify how the delta is going to change and how society thinks about it, resulting in a guideline to on how and when decisions need to be taken in the short term, with a long term perspective. Van Prooijen cites an example of car maintenance: “Think of replacing the engine block. This is very expensive maintenance, but sometimes necessary to keep the car running safely. But is it worth the investment if you plan to buy a new car next year? Or if you prefer to travel by train? Important choices will have to be made for storm surge barriers. We want to provide a strong basis for that.” Informed decisions The project will reveal the possible pathways to a liveable delta, and how storm surge barriers fit into that. Van Prooijen: “That offers clarity, to make quick and better-informed decisions. Many trials run for a long time, with the outcome of this research we can decide which trials specifically are the best option to proceed with.” Future experts One of the storm surge barriers involved in the research is the Maeslantkering. This barrier is expected to last another fifty years or so. That may seem far away, Van Prooijen reasons, “but we need to train the experts who will decide on this now. Those are probably the PhD students on this project.”

What subject do you want to master?

Master’s Event (28 November 2024) Are you almost done with your bachelor's and orientating on a master's programme? During the online Master’s Event on the 28th of November, you will get all the information you need to make a conscious choice. There will be an in-depth session via Microsoft Teams about every TU Delft master’s programme. If you would rather visit an on campus event, you can join the next event on the 20th of February. Register now: https://www.tudelft.nl/masters-event

Apply to become a student fellow at Impact Studio’s Ideation lab!

Do you want to experience entrepreneurship? Are you curious about how exploring business opportunities work? Join the Ideation Lab ..

Early attempt at colour photography discovered

Delft University of Technology has unearthed six glass slides (1890 – 1910), which represent one of the earliest attempts at colour photography. The slides were found during an inventory conducted by the Programme Tailor-Made Approach to Faculty Collections at the Imaging Physics department of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. To view the images, technician Thim Zuidwijk reconstructed a diffraction chromoscope, revealing vivid depictions of a vase with a floral motif and a still life of a fruit basket alongside a banana and a wrapped citrus fruit.

Energy Hubs: Stories of Team Science

In this longread we talk with Peter Palensky, head of the department Electrical Sustainable Energy, and with Laura Ramirez Elizondo, Associate Professor Micro-grids, about the important role for energy hubs in the energy transition

The TU Delft Library – a driving force of open access publishing

With open publishing deeply ingrained in the DNA of TU Delft it is easy to overlook what happens behind the scenes. Joke Dales and Kees Moerman, both longtime employees of the TU Delft Library, have been involved from the start and they still provide abundant support.

Enrolment for new courses open on 13 November

The new courses will start from Monday 18 November. Enrolment for these starts from Wednesday 13 November at 08.00! In the second quarter, a new series of courses awaits you. You can find out more on the website. Maybe you already know that you want to attend your favourite course again or maybe you want to discover and try something new; it's all possible. Enrolments go fast Enrolment for our courses always runs fast, so don't wait too long or be surprised by a course where spots are still available! Enrolment closes Enrolment closes on Friday 22 November at 16.00.

Boost you Resillience

Develop yourself with the e-tool Gezondeboel Setbacks and challenges are a normal part of life, including student life. What you find challenging and how you deal with it is personal. It is important that you learn to deal with these challenges and grow from them. The Gezondeboel e-tool offers a wide range of online programmes that meet your development needs as a student. Think about topics such as stress, balance, decision making, planning, procrastination, fear of failure, perfectionism, feelings of loneliness and more. Use Gezondeboel as a self-help tool to strengthen your mental resilience. The programmes are suitable for everyone and offer practical tips for quick results. Choose a programme that suits you and follow it at your own pace, wherever and whenever you want - even via your mobile phone or tablet. You can follow as many programmes as you like, completely free and anonymously. Log in via the Student Portal using the link below. www.tudelft.nl/gezondeboel

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Month 2024: Aftermovie

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) Month took place at TU Delft throughout October 2024, with the theme "United for Change, Together We Grow." This month featured over 20 events and activities organized by more than 35 contributors, providing a valuable opportunity for hands-on workshops, training sessions, and open discussions on various topics: Inclusive communication Unconscious bias Ally skills Neurodiversity Intercultural teamwork Good practices in EDI Girls in Tech Queer emancipation Emotional intelligence at work Deep Democracy and Inclusion Inclusive education Aftermovie Thanks to all faculties, student associations, networks, Diversity & Inclusion office for making this month possible! In this short aftermovie , you can get a glimpse of some (of the many) highlights of this month!

Don’t forget to terminate your enrolment after the final part of your study

Your termination of registration does not happen automatically! Have you completed the final part of your study? Please be aware that you need to send a request to terminate your enrolment through Studielink as it will not be done automatically. When you terminate your enrolment at TU Delft, you are entitled to a refund of one twelfth of the annual tuition fee for each month of the academic year in which you are no longer enrolled, with the exception of termination as from July and August. Enrolment termination with retroactive effect is not possible. Be aware! If you are not enrolled and you still use educational or examination facilities (including taking exams) there will be financial consequences. It can also affect your student grants and/or student travel product. For more information, please check the Student Administration website: Termination of Enrolment (tudelft.nl)

Celebrating One Year of Work Package ‘Future Skills for Engineers and Scientists’

Work Package ‘Future Skills for Engineers and Scientists’, marked one year of work with the completion of our Future Competencies Report. The report consists of our analysis of student surveys, alumni surveys, and self-conducted interviews. Notably, it includes a taxonomy of future competencies and future challenges, with further explanation about specific terms and trends. Over the coming months, these competencies and challenges will form the foundation for a SWOT analysis that aims to determine areas that we, as an alliance, need to address to advance European and technological development. During this process, we will seek to further align with our other ENHANCE work packages, such as those on Future Learning pedagogies and Sustainable Entrepreneurship, and continue to engage key stakeholders in European education, government and industry. If you would like to receive a digital copy of the Future Competencies Report, please contact g.r.penny@tudelft.nl Upcoming Work Package 4 events: 6 November 2025, TU Delft – Work Package 4 ‘Future Skills for Engineers and Scientists’ and Work Package ‘Diversity, Impact and Dissemination’ workshop: A DEI Perspective on Future Engineering Competencies and Challenges. 13 and 14 February 2025, TU Delft – Annual Work Package 4 meeting.

Work Package ‘IT Infrastructure and Services’ meetings

On the 5th and the 6th of September, the TU Delft was hosing the meeting with the work package ‘IT Infrastructure and Services’ leads from RWTH Aachen to discuss IT requirements and solutions aimed at enhancing the learner’s journey and reducing administrative burdens. In addition to this visit from RWTH Aachen, ETH Zurich hosted the inaugural IT Knowledge Hub. The event was a resounding success, bringing together IT and Education officers to collaborate and gain a deeper understanding of the innovative IT improvements needed to better serve our universities and the ENHANCE Alliance. This gathering provided a fantastic opportunity for closer collaboration and innovation.
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9 researchers from ELLIS Unit Delft honoured with Fellows or Scholars title

TU Delft has participated in ELLIS since 2019, currently with over 30 active members within the ELLIS Unit Delft. A total of nine researchers have recently been honour with an ELLIS Fellow or Scholar title.

A rudimentary quantum network link between Dutch cities

An international research team led by QuTech has demonstrated a network connection between quantum processors over metropolitan distances. Their result marks a key advance from early research networks in the lab towards a future quantum internet. The team developed fully independently operating nodes and integrated these with deployed optical internet fibre, enabling a 25 km quantum link. The researchers published their findings in Science Advances.

Bachelor students develop model to better understand the chemical process of renewable fuels

A group of TU Delft bachelor students has developed, as part of the students’ minor in Computational Science and Engineering, a new model that accurately predicts the molecular properties of alkanes. This knowledge is crucial for the development of renewable fuels.

Pioneering Tech: GovTech, Generative AI, and the hydrogen transition

This week, the latest edition of Pioneering Tech has been released. The cover story of this edition focuses on GovTech: the collaborative development of government technology by public and private sectors. GovTech can better safeguard public values and reduce government reliance on 'Big Tech' companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

Battling the data hunger of Big Tech

Devices like smartphones and laptops have become indispensable in our daily lives. By using them, we share vast amounts of data, such as photos, personal information, and location details. Despite protective legislation, large tech companies have increasing control over how data is gathered and processed, expanding their power. TU Delft researchers Seda Gürses and Lilika Markatou are working to expose the practices of Big Tech and develop new privacy protocols and systems to curb this power and better protect users.

How do we keep the internet, and therefore Dutch and European society, safe?

Scientific research is rarely performed by an individual scientist; it usually involves the work of an entire team of people. Besides this, some topics and challenges are so complex and multifaceted that they affect various faculties and call for multidisciplinary approaches. At TU Delft, a team of researchers and support staff have joined forces to tackle the issue of improving cybersecurity and detecting cybercrime. How do we keep the internet, and therefore Dutch and European society, safe?

Researchers hand over Position Paper to Tweede Kamer

On behalf of the TU Delft PowerWeb Institute, researchers Kenneth Brunninx and Simon Tindemans are handing over a Position Paper to the Dutch Parliament on 14 November 2024, with a possible solution to the major grid capacity problems that are increasingly cropping up in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is unlikely to meet the 2030 climate targets, and one of the reasons for this is that large industry cannot switch to electricity fast enough, partly because of increasingly frequent problems around grid capacity and grid congestion. In all likelihood, those problems will actually increase this decade before they can decrease, the researchers argue. The solution offered by the TU Delft PowerWeb Institute researchers is the ‘flexible backstop’. With a flexible backstop, the current capacity of the power grid can be used more efficiently without sacrificing safety or reliability. A flexible backstop is a safety mechanism that automatically and quickly reduces the amount of electricity that an electric unit can draw from the grid (an electric charging station or a heat pump) or deliver (a PV installation). It is a small device connected or built into an electrical unit, such as a charging station or heat pump, that ‘communicates’ with the distribution network operator. In case of extreme stress on the network, the network operator sends a signal to the device to limit the amount of power. Germany recently introduced a similar system with electric charging stations. The backstop would be activated only in periods of acute congestion problems and could help prevent the last resort measure, which is cutting off electricity to users. ‘Upgrading the electricity network remains essential, but in practice it will take years. So there is a need for short-term solutions that can be integrated into long-term planning. We, the members of the TU Delft PowerWeb Institute, call on the government, network operators and regulator to explore the flexible backstop as an additional grid security measure,’ they said. The entire Paper can be read here . Kenneth Brunninx Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Governance and Management, where he uses quantitative models to evaluate energy policy and market design with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions. Simon Tindemans is Associate Professor in the Intelligent Electrical Power Grids group at Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. His research interests include uncertainty and risk management for power grids. TU Delft PowerWeb Institute is a community of researchers who are investigating how to make renewable energy systems reliable, future proof and accessible to everyone.

TU Delft and Urenco invest together in nuclear talent

Uranium enricher Urenco and TU Delft are teaming up to develop new generations of nuclear scientists. Urenco is supporting the Delft Excellent Laboratory Facilities for Innovation and Nuclear Education (DELFINE) programme for three years to increase the pool of nuclear talent who can work to find solutions to the challenges society faces.